Although the movie’s release date is still over five months away, Dune: Part Two is now officially reviewed and rated by the Classification and Rating Administration. Consistent with 2021’s Dune: Part One, the hotly-anticipated second film in Denis Villeneuve’s ongoing adaptation has been given a PG-13 rating:
DUNE: Part Two – Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some suggestive material, and brief strong language.
This content information is very similar to the description provided for the first movie, which was “rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some disturbing images, and suggestive material.” The Motion Picture Classification and Rating program defines PG-13 (parents strongly cautioned) as containing some material which may be inappropriate for children under 13.
So, what do these three elements tell us, when it comes to expectations for Dune: Part Two?
Strong Violence
Denis Villeneuve describes Dune: Part Two as a war movie, with emphasis that there will be lots of action—all of it is filmed in IMAX this time around. We’re going to see Feyd-Rautha fighting Lieutenant Lanville to the death in Arena, Fremen engaging the Harkonnens in fierce guerilla warfare, and a massive battle against the Sardaukar on the plains of Arrakeen.
Knowing the director and editor’s past works, aforementioned scenes are certain to feel intense. PG-13 films wouldn’t need to shy away from showing the grim realities of war. The difference with R-rated violence generally lies in how that violence is depicted. Movies with latter rating are generally more gratuitous in their portrayal, perhaps showing blood and gore just for the sake of it.
Suggestive Material
Considering the debauchery that takes place on Giedi Prime, the Harkonnen homeworld, a number of potential scenes there may have been considered as suggestive by the movie’s rating reviewers. The book describes several such moments and the first trailer for Dune: Part Two shows there will be an intimate encounter between Lady Margot and Feyd.
That’s not to say there’s nothing spicy happening back on Arrakis. Although infrequent, Fremen are known for their uninhibited celebrations following a Water of Life ceremony. It’s implied that things get quite steamy in the sietch… And of course, the romance between Chani and Paul will be a central element in this film.
Strong Language
Living in the harshest environments, the Fremen are not a people to refrain from expressive utterances, though they’d likely be doing so in the Chakobsa language rather than in English. Assuming there will be an instance or two of swearing in the movie, we’re betting on that coming from one of the Harkonnens or perhaps an angered Gurney Halleck facing them.
We may get further insights into these three aspects with subsequent trailers for Dune: Part Two. The movie is scheduled to premiere in domestic theaters on March 15, 2024 and its marketing is expected to ramp up again by the end of 2023.
